Van Morrison’s Covid stance attacked by Robin Swann...in legendary Rolling Stone magazine

Sir Van Morrison’s unexpected foray into the coronavirus public health debate has in turn led to another surprise development – Northern Ireland’s health minister Robin Swann writing for the legendary Rolling Stone magazine.
By Mark Rainey
Published 21st Sep 2020, 17:34 BST
Updated 21st Sep 2020, 17:40 BST
Van Morrison performs at Belfast's Cyprus Avenue on his 70th birthday in 2015. Pic: Colm Lenaghan/PacemakerVan Morrison performs at Belfast's Cyprus Avenue on his 70th birthday in 2015. Pic: Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker
Van Morrison performs at Belfast's Cyprus Avenue on his 70th birthday in 2015. Pic: Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker

The east Belfast singer-songwriter provoked fierce criticism last week when he denounced the Covid-19 restrictions as the government “taking our freedom,” and accused scientists of “making up crooked facts”.

Morrison’s intervention – and the release of three songs revealing the full extent of his anger at the lockdown measures – sparked a quick reaction from Mr Swann, who described the songs as “dangerous”.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The minister said: “I don’t know where he gets his facts, I know where the emotions are on this, but I will say that sort of messaging is dangerous.”

Health Minister Robin Swann.Health Minister Robin Swann.
Health Minister Robin Swann.

It emerged yesterday that Rolling Stone magazine then invited to Mr Swann to share his thoughts with its millions of readers.

In an opinion piece for the latest edition, the North Antrim MLA writes: “His words will give great comfort to the conspiracy theorists. The tin foil hat brigade who crusade against masks and vaccines and think this is all a huge global plot to remove freedoms.”

Mr Swann also states: “We in Northern Ireland are very proud of the fact that one of the greatest music legends of the past 50 years comes from our part of the world. So there’s a real feeling of disappointment – we expected better from him.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“However, it goes further than disappointment. Some of what is he saying is actually dangerous. It could encourage people to not to take coronavirus seriously.”

Mr Swann added: “It’s entirely right and proper to debate and question policies. It’s legitimate to ask if the right balance is being found in what is being done; if the right steps are being taken. But Van Morrison is going way beyond raising questions.”

Sir Van Morrison faces calls for him to be stripped of ‘Freedom of Belfast’

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers — and consequently the revenue we receive — we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to newsletter.co.uk and enjoy unlimited access to the best Northern Ireland and UK news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.newsletter.co.uk/subscriptions now to sign up.

Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Alistair Bushe

Editor

Related topics:Robin SwannNorthern IrelandBelfast